Friday 13th June, 2014
Real Sociedad have all but reached an agreement with Arsenal to keep hold of Carlos Vela.
The Gunners, who own 50% of the rights to Vela and could have brought him back to London for just €5m, had been threatening to do just that following the Mexican's superb season in La Liga.
But Vela does not want to return to the Emirates Stadium and has expressed his desire to remain at Real Sociedad.
Now the Basque side are close to being able to grant his wish, having reached a preliminary agreement with Arsenal which will see them pay €11m to secure Vela's remaining rights and own him outright, according to Spanish daily AS.
Real Sociedad are now working to agree a new contract with Vela to place him firmly under lock and key and away from any other suitors.
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The Basque side are prepared to move up to around €2.5m per season to secure the striker on a new contract running until the summer of 2018.
Keeping Vela will come as a big relief to Real Sociedad, who had feared losing the hitman to Arsenal.
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